Private Friends from All the Curious Places

[Lirka Ka]

ANOAT

Anoat had become something of a staging ground for the triad of evil that dubbed themselves "Dzara". They had exploded into existence within the Sith Order with hyperviolence, as was only proper. The pane of the Tsis'Kaar was shattered by their deceptive hammer-blow and its heirs left to pick up the pieces of assassins fractured - and with appearance, came the coordinated politicking of monsters merged in union. The marred world that was the home of Darth Nefaron had proved most useful in this regard - for it was here, with finery and wine, the name had been cried out.

Dzara!

Dzara!

Dzara!

Those who would feast upon dreams, and raise their black banners beneath choked skies of bloody crimson. Others were to be given this same grace; the arms of this twisted family were spread wide when beckoned forth by the Warrior-Priestess, and now Dark Councilor, Lirka Ka. An ally of Darth Nefaron, was to be seen as an ally of all links in this Chain. While Helix had proved to be the most capable among them when it came to the creation of monsters, the Lord of Terror had whispered of the darkness brewing within the depths of this choked world with the commissioned assistance of one Madrona A’Mia - a name Lirka had heard, though understood little of. A recurring variable in the many reports that filtered through the Sith Order, its wars, its celebrations, and all the myriad of other reasons a Neti would have to show their face. If the woman was to be useful, Lirka certainly had every intent of testing that fact. All of the Triad had a certain respect for that which created life, molded into forms most suitable, all of them had dabbled in the creation of life and the dark science of crafting organic matter in some form or fashion.

It'd be only proper to appreciate another artist of similar craft.

Lirka arrived upon Anoat in silence, with title at her back the Once-Sephi moved with a certain gravitas - radiating the darkness of position. Her word held weight now - and with that weight, the Dzara held some legitimacy as more than just a gaggle of murderers that were hellbent on seeing the Tsis'kaar laid low. Now, with mighty metal boots thudding against the floor she dived deeper into the darkness of Anoat to where their ever gracious host would have made the assembly for them. Indeed, for in the days to come, the lord of Anoat would need to share his friends as the dark and bloodied path to a shackled Galaxy took form.

 

[Helix]

Helix scurried through the foyer of Darth Nefaron 's fortress, pleased to be out of the planet's seemingly never-ending rain.

Anoat had become something of an unofficial heart for the Dzara, a fact Helix had made a point to address at the very next opportunity. Having a heart meant giving your enemies a chance to tear it out, and it would not do for Anoat to become too great a focal point for them. The Tsis'kaar had made the mistake of having too many vital locations, and look where that had gotten them. Consigned to the trash heap of history when its leader was gone.

Still, it was a convenient central meeting place for the moment, and would do for their purposes. As was his custom when visiting Anoat, he carried a small stasis case under one arm, holding some very unpleasant items indeed. Giving such weapons to someone like Nefaron all but ensured their widespread use on the helpless masses, but Helix didn't get where he was today by caring about a little errant death and destruction. Continuing to ingratiate himself to the other two was worth a few billion lives here and there.

Supposedly, Nefaron had been working on some grand new project or another. Helix was here to see it, observe it, and likely applaud it. The man was unquestionably a lunatic, like many great artists, but that was precisely what the Dzara needed. People who thought and acted outside the shackles of typical logical constraints.

Helix had raised a metaphoric eyebrow at the knowledge that Nefaron had been working with Madrona A’Mia to do it. Helix didn't know the creature very well, but knew her to be associated with the Wonosans in the past. That presented a possible security issue, and one that Helix hoped the Lord of Terror had taken into account.

Still, if one was to immediately shun every individual in Sith space who was guilty of playing multiple sides, one would have to work alone in all cases. Helix had certainly played such games himself, and would continue to. The Once-Sephi Lirka Ka did so with even more profusion, a trait that had recently propelled her into one of the Order's highest offices.

This being the case, it was probably worth hearing the plant-creature out, and seeing what manner of wonders the two had been up to.

It was a reality of doing business. For Nefaron to request help at all suggested that this new beast of his was really something. Helix looked forward to it, and looked forward even more to enjoying the bounty of Anoat's splendid culinary hospitality. For all his other eccentricities, Darth Nefaron seldom let a guest feel unwelcome.

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Outer Rim
Sluis Sector
Anoat
Objectives: Gathering of Unique Minds, Assess Likelihood of Political Alliance
​

Unlike the first time she'd visited Anoat, A'Mia came this time dressed for anything and bearing a bouquet of gifts. Gliding through hallways as if rather familiar with the layout and easily made her way to where they'd gather. A'Mia had done as she'd planned, after the feast and celebration on Jutrand, looking up as much information she could access on one of the newest Dark Councilors Lirka Ka

Helix was actually known to her, in a periphery sense. Having met the droid through none other than Darth Strosius during a discussion about technological development. However, she'd not spent enough time with him to gain a true sense for the character of the creature, nor had she interacted with him recently. Darth Nefaron was of course one of her best paying customers through work with Spore Industries, and their collaborative project had provided her proximity to the controversial figure that allowed her to maintain a sense of neutrality via professionalism.

This meeting would almost certainly skirt the line of that though and A'Mia knew she had to be prepared for discussion that might veer into dangerous territory indeed. Though she'd maintained a generally neutral position within the Order, the arboreal woman had recently grown more enmeshed with certain groups. Ever tied to Korriban and her King, she’d also recently become Governor of Brosi and rumors abound regarding the immense changes overtaking the planet thanks to her tender care. Namely though, the Wonosa and their Prophet were the newest group to receive her friendly attention. However, it was clear that A'Mia was open minded and above all, curious.

Upon entering the room where others waited, looking resplendent in fine robes which were contradicted by her bare feet and uncovered face, long vine-like hair tumbling down her back. The neti had also taken on biomass for this meeting, currently standing at nearly eight feet tall and weighing much more than the form itself might lead one to believe.

"Well hello," her high, bright voice carried through the room. At odds with the general macabre gloom and gothic splendor of the place.

"Well met, or good to see you again— whichever applies," the woman curtsied and straightened to peer around, "Has our illustrious host arrived yet?"

 

[Darth Nefaron]

TAGS: Lirka Ka Helix Madrona A’Mia

"Arrived? Some say I never leave."
​

Deep within the heart of Nefaron's black fortress, the audience chamber had been arrayed with the spoils of victory. Tattered banners of the Tsis'Kaar had been cast to the floor, trampled upon by those who had once served the organization but had turned to the service of Dzara, that new and terrible power rising from the heart of Sith space. Service droids offered wine for those who had chosen Nefaron's cabal over the fool Strosius, the one who had been bested in battle by Darth Malum.

Nefaron thought of him at times. For everything that could be said about Darth Malum, he was a formidable warrior and truly deadly tactician.

But that would not be enough to change the galaxy. Cruelty was required now.

The Corpse Lord, draped in his black cloak as usual, approached the gathering, offering a bow to the newly minted Dark Councilor of the Empire, Lirka Ka, as well as the newest ally of the Dzara Madrona A'Mia, as was his proper place as a gentleman. Helix was not to be ignored, of course, but they were men of science and torment, not to mention drinking companions.

A nod was sufficient between the pair.

"Look at how we are rewarded. The Tsis'Kaar is cast to the pages of history, and we terrible few, are elevated. A Dark Counciler, a future Governor, and my humble home become the newest bastion of power in the galaxy. You could not have come at a better time, Lady A'Mia, for we revel in triumph this day."

But this was Nefaron's home, and here there was little that was hidden from him. He knew that his acquisition of rare materials and vast quantities of slaves could not easily be explained to his companions. especially Helix, who had been the generous master of the production of Nefaron's fleets. Thankfully, there was much to be said before Nefaron was forced to show his hand and reveal his terrible beast.

"It appears Jutrand is not pleased with our actions, yet we do not take the brunt of the Empress's wrath thanks to the timely intervention of the Kainite, as I foresaw. We have set the stage for a new civil war, even if it does not come. The old order will not stand, and we shall benefit from the chaos to come."

The Corpse Lord's gaze drifted to Lady A'Mia then, his horrid smile greeting her.

"Perhaps our beautiful guest may also benefit? Like you, Lady Ka, Lady A'Mia is a known quantity in the holy worlds. But we may just sway her to our cause, for our alliance must grow if we are to triumph in the end. Lord Helix, you may find her particularly charming, for she shares our interests; she remains firmly tied to the organic rather than the bio-mechanical."

Nefaron glanced between his fellow conspirators, a small chuckle passing his lipless maw.

"But you wonder why she has been invited out of the blue to our celebration. Allow me to come out with it and say she is essential to my newest project, one that will propel us to a true superpower in this galaxy when complete."

 

[Lirka Ka]

Anoat. The heart of evil. It was an intentional ploy, every member of the Dzara coiled and squirmed within their own machinations - it was merely the nature of pride, excess, and the grave indulgences of evil unbound. Of course that just as well could have been Lirka's ravenous paranoia that made her trust her newfound friends about as much as she trusted someone like Darth Strosius - Sith were an egotistical sort after all, and Lirka would much rather feed into the Sithly ego of Darth Nefaron than totally abide by Helix's philosophy of roving liquidity. There was a power to be found in the certainty of a fortress like Nefaron's. Or the myriad of hides, hovels, and lairs Lirka had sprinkled throughout the galaxy over the many decades.

The theatrics of it all warmed whatever bits of Sephi were actually left in Lirka as her metal boot fell upon a torn banner. No shame in dramatics, she had decided. They had torn a victory in the bloody jaws of Sith rallying against them, and denied the prophet his inheritance for now. A success, in the grand scheme of things. Though there would still be fallout to navigate.

The once-Sephi almost responded to Madrona A’Mia before the grand arrival of Nefaron came. She couldn’t help but a twinge of an amused grin growing at the side of her lips with Nefaron’s entrance. She had pulled the same trick many a time. Spectacle and splendor, these two were facets of Sith existence. Of course, the smile quickly faded as she listened to the Dread Lord speak.

Civil War a dirty word. And while the Neti may have been a business associate for his grand schemes - Lirka didn’t like to say dirty words in untrusted company. Though there were plenty of fools uttering such a thing, and Nefaron certainly would not be the last.

“Liquidation is rarely an event looked upon with much pleasure.”

It wasn’t like they had asked for permission before indulging in butchery. The bloodied trap of Alavria had provided some shield, and Lirka knew well that there would need to be honeyed words exchanged for her to ease the heat that they would certainly be gaining in the political sphere soon. The destruction of the Tsis’Kaar was a needed inevitability with the departure of the Lord of Marr - she doubted such a thing would need be stated in current company.

She gestured to the Dread Lord with an open hand, she remained a cold and measured thing for now in contrast to the brightness of their guest. Business was business and she had a mechanical glint that easily could rival Helix when credits were involved.

“To revel in triumph is an indulgence most grand. Though perhaps the revelry has only just begun - what have you and our esteemed guest been brewing?”

Unknown variables were far from Lirka’s favorite thing.

 

[Helix]

Helix cast an appraising eye at the choice of decor this evening. Such theatrics might amuse the bevy of Tsis'kaar traitors that Darth Nefaron had swept to his side, but the colony was a little less easily-impressed. He'd fought under those banners more than a few times. It was a shame to see them trampled upon by a crowd of guffawing lessers. They'd stood for something, once upon a time.

Admirable, but foolish in hindsight. Nothing survived long in Sith space unless it was ugly. The uglier one was, in nature or in ethos, the better off one usually was and would be. Sometimes, Helix thought that was a shame, but there was little sense in railing against the confines of cold hard fact.

Nonetheless, he couldn't begrudge the Corpse Lord his weakness for melodrama. The ghoul's prediction as to recent events back on Dromund Kaas had been absolutely spot-on, and had Helix not lent him an ear, he might well have gone down with the ship like so many others had. When one was correct, one was entitled to a number of well-earned privileges, first among them the right to gloat.

He didn't get much time to exchange pleasantries with the rest before their host darkened the room with his presence.

The colony caught the mangled corpse's eye and subsequent nod, one rheumy half-blind orb meeting Helix's alien cluster of receptor-cells. Damaged his eyes might well be, but Nefaron had seen the future more clearly than anyone else.

It appears Jutrand is not pleased with our actions, yet we do not take the brunt of the Empress's wrath thanks to the timely intervention of the Kainite, as I foresaw.

"Jutrand is never pleased when Sith do what Sith do." He shrugged. "Disapproving words are no way to make them stop, either. How many chidings has dear Strosius received, I wonder?" The colony snagged a chair, placing it in a position where he could see the room clearly. No sense getting complacent at this stage.

"If the seat of power wishes something to stop, then it will. The fact that it hasn't means that they cannot, or do not wish to." A dangerous thing to voice, but Helix had said it before. Anything that existed within the Blackwall existed due to sufferance, ignorance, or weakness. That included them, and it included Strosius.

Helix had suspected recently that the attack's sudden and unsubtle nature had been intended to bait the Kainites forward as a distraction, enticed by the scent of revenge and plunder. Long had the two branches hated each other. He didn't know why, and in all honesty, didn't care why. Neither was his concern at the moment.

At the time, Helix had questioned the wisdom of so overt a power move rather than the slow dissolution they had favored up to that point. Now he could glimpse a small flicker of the bigger picture. Nefaron had deftly reflected the empire's displeasure onto the Kainate, while the Dzara had escaped unsung and unnoticed, likely dismissed as a band of opportunists.

What Nefaron may have lacked in the department of personal appearance, he seemingly more than made up for in deviousness.

Helix cut a glance over towards Lirka Ka at the mention of a civil war. Helix was not opposed to the idea. After all, the Dzara was founded partly on the belief that one was inevitable, and that the three of them may as well get their cut of the carrion if or when the lumbering beast collapsed. What would happen afterward was a matter of some ongoing debate.

The colony's many-eyed stare turned then towards Madrona A’Mia when Nefaron called attention to her. Helix very seldom (if ever) found anyone charming. Nefaron and Lirka were two notable exceptions. He found the former's warped sort of affability to be refreshing in a plot of space where every word seemed to be a veiled threat. He found the latter's frank insanity and unusual ideals even more so. Both were outside the mold, and that was usually what it took to get started on the road to "charming" in his book.

Still, he couldn't help but have his doubts. Every word that they said tonight might well be leaked back to the ears of Strosius, if not far worse persons. Helix made up his mind to watch what sensitive information he conveyed. Handing her knowledge of a plot to fracture the empire was a risk of almost incalculable proportions, and he found himself hoping that there was, once again, a method to Nefaron's madness. Loath as the colony was to seem rude, information security had to come first, at least if anyone present liked the idea of living out the month.

“Liquidation is rarely an event looked upon with much pleasure.”

"Perhaps not." Came his excruciating choral rasp of a voice, along with a nod of agreement towards Lirka. "But I believe it's important to enjoy what you do."

He found himself yet more curious about what manner of horror the two had made. Given the ill-contained glee that both seemed to be radiating, his expectations were high, and he voiced as much.

"I'll confess you've both piqued my interest. I'll not deny you your well-earned presentation, but I'm eager to get a look at this new weapon of yours."

For the moment, Helix swept his concerns to one side. Tonight was for celebration. The work could come later.

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

There was a general unease in the room and A'Mia had to assume it was in regard to her presence. As a general unknown to these otherwise bosom companions, she could hardly fault them their distrust. Such was also simply the Sith way. They were behaving agreeably enough and the host of this rather grim and ambitious meeting clearly held enough sway over all of them, herself included, for this to be a very interesting chat indeed.

"I'm afraid I missed it— that business with the Tsis'Kaar, though I've read some of the reports. But I congratulate you nonetheless."

She inclined her head, making no commentary on whether she benefitted one way or the other, nor feeding into the topic of civil war. Not yet. A'Mia approached Darth Nefaron and offered out the basket of Sithspawn she'd brought with her. Apparently unperturbed by the man's rather unconventional appearance, she explained cheerily.

"Consider this a rather belated housewarming gift."

Turning then, the woman inclined her head to the other two and acknowledged the news being shared. If they were looking for any sign of emotional response at mention of Darth Strosius , none was forthcoming. She did however pause and tilt her head when she more fully took in the sight of Helix. His form had changed rather significantly since last they'd interacted, it now practically crawled with strange new power. The neti pressed on despite her piqued curiosity.

"As to our work, yes we've made some very interesting progress. My specialty is Sithspawn, sorcery, and alchemy— often with a rather botanical twist, thought lately I've dabbled in some blood magicks."

Her tone remained conversational, cheery even. It seemed she was rather unflappable in the face of horror.

"Enough about me though, this isn't a job interview," she waved one long fingered hand as if she'd merely gotten sidetracked about the weather.

"The beast in question is certainly the largest working I've yet had a hand in. Though I'm not sure how much I ought to say. My Lord, your will?"

A'Mia turned to regard Darth Nefaron, deferring to him easily. She knew her position amongst them was as tenuous as any paid laborer might be, but she was not powerless here. She merely needed to play her cards cautiously.

Darth Nefaron | Lirka Ka | Helix​